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This July was the hottest month on record.
The combined land and ocean surface temperature was 1.67 degrees above the 20th-century average of 60.4 degrees. It broke the previous record, by 0.02 degrees.
"In this case, first place is the worst place to be," said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. "July is typically the world's warmest month of the year, but July 2021 outdid itself as the hottest July and month ever recorded. This new record adds to the disturbing and disruptive path that climate change has set for the globe."
The extreme heat was felt across the country, shattering high-temperature records as a massive heat dome enveloped the Pacific-Northwest, and the area is bracing for another heatwave.
Over 200 million people are under excessive heat warnings and advisories across the country.
Officials predict temperatures to get into the triple-digit level, NYC and parts of New Jersey, are under an excessive heat warnings, as the heat index reaches 100 degrees. Washington, D.C. is expected to reach 109 degrees while Philadelphia predicts the heat index to reach 106 degrees.
The CDC recommends taking a few steps to stay safe:
Consider personal health factors like age, medical conditions such as heart disease or asthma, when preparing to be outside, and if you’re at risk for heat-related illness, are elderly or have underlying health conditions, the CDC recommends:
Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible
Drink more water than usual
Try to avoid using your stove or oven to cook since it can make you and your house hotter
Check on elderly friends and neighbors often and have someone do the same for you
Limit outdoor activities and/or plan them carefully to avoid being outside midday
Wear sunscreen
Social distance if you need to take off your mask in the heat.